Kateri Tekakwitha Becomes First Native American Saint on Oct. 21

Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized as the first Native American saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. This historic event marked a significant moment not only for the Catholic Church but also for Indigenous communities in North America, celebrating Kateri’s legacy and contributions as a devout Christian who lived in the 17th century.

On this day in history, several notable events occurred. In 1805, the British fleet, commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson, triumphed over the joint forces of France and Spain in the decisive Battle of Trafalgar, which took place off the coast of Spain. This victory solidified British naval dominance for years to come.

In 1879, Thomas Edison successfully created the first practical electric incandescent lamp after 14 months of experimentation. This invention revolutionized lighting and laid the groundwork for modern electrical engineering.

The political landscape also saw significant changes on this date. In 1948, Western Allies agreed to lift their condemnation of Russia as a threat to peace, contingent upon the lifting of the Berlin blockade. This decision was seen as a hopeful step towards resolving the ongoing Berlin crisis.

In the realm of space exploration, 1959 marked a pivotal year as rocket designer Wernher von Braun and his team transitioned from the U.S. Army to the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), paving the way for future advancements in space travel.

The arts were not left behind on this date either. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, opened in New York City in 1959. The museum is widely celebrated as one of the finest architectural achievements of the 20th century.

Tragedy struck in 1966 when a devastating avalanche of coal slag engulfed a school in Aberfan, Wales, claiming the lives of 148 individuals, most of whom were young students. This heartbreaking event left a lasting impact on the community and prompted significant changes in safety regulations.

The political turmoil of the 1980s also made headlines on this day. In 1983, following a coup in Grenada that resulted in numerous fatalities, the newly established military government sought to consolidate its control while 1,900 U.S. Marines approached the island.

In more recent history, the release of Jesse Turner, a professor at Beirut University, was announced in 1991 after he had been held hostage since January 1987. His release culminated a long and harrowing ordeal for his family and supporters.

The year 1994 saw Rosario Ames, the wife of confessed spy Aldrich Ames, sentenced to 63 months in prison for her role in collaborating with him. This case highlighted the complexities of espionage during the Cold War era.

In 1999, the National Park Service made a significant change by redesignating the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument in Colorado as a national park, elevating its status and ensuring greater protection for its unique natural features.

The Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal reached a pivotal moment in 2004 when Staff Sergeant Ivan “Chip” Frederick was sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement. He was released on parole in 2007.

On October 21, 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama announced the withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq by the end of the year, signifying the conclusion of nearly nine years of military involvement in the country. Obama stated, “After nearly nine years, America’s war in Iraq will be over.”

Tragedy struck again in 2021 when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life after a prop gun discharged during filming of the movie Rust in New Mexico. The incident sparked widespread discussions on safety protocols in the film industry.

Each October 21, as history unfolds, it serves as a reminder of significant events that have shaped our world.